Introduction
Halls of Torment, developed by Chasing Carrots, is an action-survival game that pays homage to the early days of the dungeon-crawler genre. Released in September 2024, the game blends elements of a “Survivor-like” experience with classic RPG mechanics. Drawing homages to both modern indie titles like Vampire Survivors and iconic franchises such as Diablo. Its pixelated, isometric visuals offer a sense of nostalgia. Its gameplay features a slower, more strategic approach to combat and character development.
As you dive into Halls of Torment, you’ll find yourself fending off waves of enemies in timed runs, gradually upgrading your characters and equipment to face ever-increasing threats. The game manages to maintain the line between accessible casual gameplay and in-depth customization. Ensuring there’s something for both newcomers and veteran players. With its dark fantasy setting, deep progression system, and highly replayable gameplay loop, Halls of Torment has quickly become a standout in the genre.
Entering the Halls of Torment
At the core of Halls of Torment lies a robust gameplay loop that focuses on survival, leveling up, and managing gear. The objective is simple: survive each 30-minute run by eliminating hordes of enemies, collecting gems, and upgrading your character’s abilities and stats. During each run, players choose from one of 11 unlockable characters, each with their unique traits and abilities. As you slay enemies, you collect gems that allow you to level up, unlocking upgrades from a randomized set of abilities. Each run also features mini-bosses that drop scrolls with offensive spells and gear chests, introducing more layers to the decision-making process.
What sets Halls of Torment apart is its careful pacing. Unlike more chaotic entries in the genre, the game’s upgrades feel measured and deliberate. Agony Mode, a special high-difficulty mode, further pushes players’ limits by introducing greater enemy density and tougher foes, with no time limits, making for a true test of endurance. Another significant aspect is the persistent progression system. After each run, players can store gear, buy new items with gold, and unlock permanent boosts for their characters.
A chilling yet familiar look
The presentation of Halls of Torment is distinctly old-school. With a pixelated aesthetic that immediately evokes the look and feel of early Diablo. The dark environments are filled with blurry yet detailed enemies. The visuals may not push technical boundaries, but they successfully create a menacing atmosphere that suits the game’s slower, more deliberate pace. The game’s user interface is intuitive, making it easy for players to access character stats, gear, and abilities mid-run without losing focus on the action. This clean design helps maintain the balance between depth and accessibility, which is one of Halls of Torment’s key strengths.
One of the standout aspects of the game’s visual design is the detailed character and enemy animations. Though the graphical fidelity is intentionally modest, the smoothness of the animation lends weight to each attack and movement, enhancing immersion. The sound design complements the dark fantasy setting. With ambient sound effects and ominous musical tracks underscoring the tension as enemy waves grow larger.
Making things interesting
While Halls of Torment is deeply focused on its survival combat and progression mechanics, there are other elements that enrich the overall experience. The inclusion of randomized loot, which can be permanently stored between runs, offers a satisfying sense of long-term progression. You can only retrieve one piece of gear per run, meaning players must decide what to prioritize for future runs. This mechanic adds another strategic layer to the game. Especially when combined with the gold system, which allows players to purchase and re-use gear from the hub.
Character progression is extensive, with nearly 1000 possible traits and upgrades. This vast customization ensures no two runs are the same. With each playthrough offering a unique combination of abilities and stats to experiment with. The game also introduces interesting trade-offs, such as upgrades that improve attack power but reduce range. This encourages players to think carefully about each choice.
Conclusion
Halls of Torment successfully blends the atmospheric depth of classic action RPGs with the tight, satisfying gameplay loop of modern survival roguelikes. Its pacing and progression set it apart from its peers. Offering players a more tactical experience in a genre often characterized by flashy, rapid-fire action. The pixelated, retro presentation and dark fantasy setting create a nostalgic yet fresh environment that complements the strategic gameplay.
While the game may not appeal to everyone, particularly those looking for a more immediate dopamine rush, it rewards strategic play and offers a great amount of replayability through its diverse characters, upgrades, and abilities. For fans of the genre or old-school dungeon crawlers, Halls of Torment is a game worth looking into.
Halls of Torment
Summary
Halls of Torment delivers a dark twist on the survival-action genre, combining old-school visuals with deep RPG mechanics. Players face waves of enemies, leveling up characters and collecting gear in 30-minute runs. The game’s pace and strategic progression set it apart, offering immense replayability through diverse upgrades and customization options.
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